“It is based on a vote that was declared illegal by the Spanish courts. We continue to want to see the rule of law upheld, the Spanish constitution respected, and Spanish unity preserved.”

The Scottish Government’s External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop called for dialogue to end the crisis.

“We understand and respect the position of the Catalan government. While Spain has the right to oppose independence, the people of Catalonia must have the ability to determine their own future,” she said.

“Now, more than ever, the priority of all those who consider themselves friends and allies of Spain should be to encourage a process of dialogue to find a way forward that respects democracy and the rule of law.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said: “Spain is a serious country, it is a great nation and we are not prepared in any way to allow some people to liquidate our constitution.”

It will be the first time in four decades of democratic rule in Spain that the national government will directly run the affairs of one of the country’s 17 semi-autonomous regions, a move that could fan the flames of the Catalan revolt.

“In the days ahead we must keep to our values of pacifism and dignity. It’s in our, in your hands, to build the republic,” he said.

For Labour, shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry said: “The way this dispute has been turned into a binary choice between independence and direct rule is not going to end this crisis, and it is not what the majority in Catalonia and Spain actually want.

“They want a sensible, political dialogue about finding a resolution – and for that to be done in a fair and democratic way, in keeping with the rules and laws of the country.”